The community had some great pointers each time I'm in the market for a car... although didn't go the suggested rout last time. Well that car was hit (FX35), so back to finding something. I liked the FX, especially the tech package. Below is a pic of it now.

We need something that will fit a kid and dog separately but fun to drive. Really wanted a X5 before, but really didn't like it... you have to get the v8 to enjoy in my opinion and the upgraded interior (seats mainly).

So used around 09 give or take
FX35... maybe again, but the back is really too small
Q5: no idea, haven't driven yet
x3: I like a lot, but would prefer the new 2011 interior
GLK: looks kinda goofy, but fits our needs... driving position could be a little high
A4 or 328 wagons: I like them a lot, but hard to find.
Forester??: probably shouldn't consider
x5: may try it again

What else... driving fun is really important for long trips. need to be around 30Kish... could probably spring for a little more if I loved the car.

I'm in the same position as you (minus the accident) trying to find something for my wife and kids. Sold our 09 Ford Flex AWD Limited, to big, slow, useless transmission and now looking for something smaller. After days of looking and driving vehicles she has almost made her mind up on an Impreza if you can believe it. Manual of course, we realized we didn't need a huge SUV and the Impreza has some decent room inside, so we may give it a shot. Good luck.

I just purchase a 2012 mdx with tech package few months ago and it's a great car. The third row is nice when needed but even the middle row is spacy. I prefer the advance package, liked how the suspension firmness can be turned on and off with a switch but couldn't justify the difference in price. Only this is mpg sucks averaging 16 city and 20 hwy but I knew that when purchasing. It rides good and don't feel too big from inside.

I was in. Similar situation but couldn't find an SUV for under 30k so we got the is250 And love it for a comfortable car. Vented seats in fl are great. I am very picky on 328s(rare around here with sports/prem at a fair price ) and won't buy her a faster car than me.

I've been trying to get my wife out of her '05 MDX (105K mi). She loves it She doesn't like the new MDX model b/c you cant see out of the back. The Q5 has terrible reliability ratings. I offered the X1 but my wife thought it was too small. So, we'll probably get an X3 (although she doesn't know yet) and yes a 2011 or newer is a must. GL.

BTW...the GLK looks good to me and the driver sits high which is a plus for vertically challenged people like my wife. She just doesn't was an MB.
The Acura RDX sucks...I bought one for my mother and it is as bouncy and rough as the TSX. Acura states the new model has an improved suspension, but still bouncy as hell. Nice engine (i4 + turbos) though prior to the 2013 V6.

Just read a review of older models "09-'10...the Q5 wins hands down as far as handling and steering, at least within the group in this comparison by MT. So, the only concern would be the Q5's reliability. I'm not too familiar with Audi but if their reliability is downgraded for similar things as the 335i I may have to look at it for my wife, at least a comparison v the X3.

I'm very much in the same boat with only mileage being a concern. Obviously in this arena one cannot expect great mileage on a standard gas engine and diesels usually do not net gains worthy of the added price tag at this size vehicle.

Considering all the same you are including the MDX/RDX minus the GLK. In addition looking at the Volvo XC series and the VW SUV's.

The leaders right now are the Q5 with one of the subies not too far behind. I just need to get her to sit in and drive both to confirm. Q5 seems to be a great car for the $, subie obviously a less expensive car, pretty bullet proof but may not be appointed to the level she wants.

The community had some great pointers each time I'm in the market for a car... although didn't go the suggested rout last time. Well that car was hit (FX35), so back to finding something. I liked the FX, especially the tech package. Below is a pic of it now.

We need something that will fit a kid and dog separately but fun to drive. Really wanted a X5 before, but really didn't like it... you have to get the v8 to enjoy in my opinion and the upgraded interior (seats mainly).

So used around 09 give or take
FX35... maybe again, but the back is really too small
Q5: no idea, haven't driven yet
x3: I like a lot, but would prefer the new 2011 interior
GLK: looks kinda goofy, but fits our needs... driving position could be a little high
A4 or 328 wagons: I like them a lot, but hard to find.
Forester??: probably shouldn't consider
x5: may try it again

What else... driving fun is really important for long trips. need to be around 30Kish... could probably spring for a little more if I loved the car.